Continuing Care Strategy Review Begins

The province is beginning its promised review and refocus of the Continuing Care Strategy.
Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine announced today, Jan. 31, the province has met with a Minister’s Roundtable on Continuing Care and will consult with the public on how best to care for an aging population.
The Minister’s Roundtable on Continuing Care was made up of leading Nova Scotia researchers, academics, clinicians and advocates who work with seniors and people of all ages with disabilities and conditions.
“Government understands the pressures facing seniors,” said Mr. Glavine. “We have an opportunity to be innovative with the delivery of health care, especially for our older population.”
Mr. Glavine said the Continuing Care Strategy is eight years old. He added Nova Scotia has the oldest population per capita in Canada. These demographics highlight the need to review and refocus the Continuing Care Strategy and create a provincial dementia strategy.
Mr. Glavine said he looks forward to hearing the valuable insights into care that only clients and caregivers can provide, as well as the experience of those who provide services each and every day.
“Caregivers Nova Scotia fully supports the review of the Continuing Care Strategy as it is the foundation for how Nova Scotians will be able to live at home longer,” said Angus Campbell, executive director of Caregivers Nova Scotia. “Part of the framework is to ensure care recipients and their unpaid caregivers are supported with the programs and services they need to achieve the best health outcomes possible.”
Continuing Care services are available to all Nova Scotians who require ongoing care, whether for a short or long term, like beds in nursing homes and access to home care supports and equipment. These services are provided in homes, nursing homes or residential care facilities. About 36,000 Nova Scotians access continuing care services each year.
Nova Scotians can access Continuing Care services by calling toll-free 1-800-225-7225 or visiting the Department of Health and Wellness website at www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs .